​A NEW BOOK BY LISA NAJAVITS

We are delighted to announce the second edition of Lisa's new book, which can be used as self-help or as part of treatment or support with a counselor, peer specialist, sponsor, etc.: Finding Your Best Self. Recovery from Addiction, Trauma, or Both. The second edition

Originally published in 2017, the second edition in 2019 adds a chapter on how to conduct the model in professional treatment settings as well as updated resources. It is available on amazon.com as an e-book, paperback or hard cover book, or via our web store in paperback.Training is available as well. Translations are available in German and are underway in Polish, Japanese, Korean, and simplified Chinese.

"This is a terrific book. Lucid and eminently practical, it summarizes what Dr. Najavits has learned helps patients in over three decades of practice and research. Page upon page, she helps you confront what isgoing on inside of yourself. It’s a step-by-step road to recovery from the enslavement of trauma and addiction. This is the sort of book you put by your bedside to visit over and over again as a guide to dealing with numbing, addiction, the secrets you try to keep from yourself, and underlying issues. I cannot recommend this book highly enough."--Bessel A. van der Kolk, MD, author of The Body Keeps the Score

"In 13 years of recovery in AA, I often heard the refrain 'I never got the instruction manual on life.' Well, this book by Lisa Najavits might just be the only instruction book on recovery you’ll ever need! It shines with a fresh perspective, jargon-free writing, and vivid personal inspiration in an overpopulated field."--Frank F., New York City

"In this remarkable book, Dr. Najavits speaks to diverse audiences in a way that is clear, practical, and deeply engaging. She offers an unflinching look at the challenges of working on trauma and addiction, while always conveying a message of hope. People struggling with either or both issues will find a path to improve their life. Professionals too can use this as a companion to therapy, allowing patients to extend their efforts through a flexible but carefully structured process."--Joan E. Zweben, PhD, Executive Director, East Bay Community Recovery Project, Oakland, California; staff psychologist, San Francisco VA Medical Center

"Many times in AA (or 'the rooms'), I have heard someone say, 'It’s the language of the heart; what comes from the heart reaches the heart.' This work exemplifies that thought while also staying true to itself with structure and advice for addicts and trauma survivors. But more than going through the steps of recovery, Dr. Najavits shows how to do so with dignity and pride in what you may accomplish. I never felt alone while reading this book."--David T., Washington, DC

"A welcome contribution. Dr. Najavits provides a comprehensive framework for recovery. She has woven her extensive clinical experience with the voices of people in recovery to create a rich resource."--Stephanie S. Covington, PhD, LCSW, author of A Woman's Way through the Twelve Steps

Table of contentsEach chapter is short and can be read in any order-- it is a flexible approach that encourages pacing and honors each person's unique recovery path.

Preface 1. Moving forward from trauma, addiction or both 2. Starting out 3. “Things turn out okay” -- David's experience4. It’s medical—you’re not crazy, lazy or bad5. How do people change?6. The world is your school7. Listen to your behavior 8. Wish versus reality9. Find your way 10. Possible selves11. The language of trauma and addiction 12. Safe coping skills13. Social pain14. True self-compassion15. Why trauma and addiction go together16. Forgiving yourself17. Body and biology18. Getting to a calm place—the skill of grounding19. The culture of silence20. Motivation: Leverage one problem to help the other21. Tip the scales recovery plan22. Every child is a detective23. How to survive a relapse24. See the link25. Practice 26. Identity: how you view yourself27. Perception: how others view you28. The decision to grow29. Dark feelings: rage, hatred, revenge, bitterness 30. Imagination31. Create a healing image32. Find a good counselor33. Two types of trauma counseling 34. What the wounded can give back35. “We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars”​Appendix A: How others can help—family, friends, partners, sponsors, counselors Appendix B: Resources Appendix C: Excessive Behavior ScaleAppendix D: Brief Quiz on Trauma and AddictionReferences

Training

Training on the new model is available. See the outline and objectives. Training can be done for any length (e.g., 1 hour, half day, 1 day) and can also be combined with any other training that we offer. ​

translations

We are happy to announce that this book has been translated into German and is upcoming in Polish. For inquiries please contact info@best-self.org